The ministers are expected to discuss issues such as Australia's controversial Manus Island detention facility as well as a trade treaty between PNG and Australia and the setting up of a PNG sovereign wealth fund.

Corruption is also expected to be debated.

"You are entitled to look for a broader regional role. So we see our relationship changing as PNG itself changes," Senator Carr said on Thursday.

"We are committed to delivering as a friend, we have got to deliver for the people of PNG."

Mr Pato said he expected Australia and PNG's relationship to be strengthened and renewed by the meeting.

He also cited Mr Bowen's trip on Wednesday to Manus island, where the immigration minister toured the detention facility which now houses 47 Iranian and Sri Lankan asylum seekers.

"The relationship between Australia and PNG is being fostered by what we're doing on that island," Mr Pato said.

The parliamentary secretary for Pacific Island affairs, Richard Marles, is also at the meeting, while PNG is represented by Mr Pato, treasurer Don Polye, national planning minister Charles Abel, Finance minister James Marape and public service minister Sir Puka Temu.

Also attending is PNG Sports and special events minister Justin Tkatchenko - known jokingly in the footy-mad nation as the minister for National Happiness.

Before the forum began, Senator Carr announced Australia would commit $A20 million to curing "at least" 85 per cent of tuberculosis cases diagnosed yearly in PNG's Western Province.

PNG has the highest rate of TB in the Pacific region and is also facing the threat of growing infection and drug-resistant strains.

The $A20 million comes on top of an $A11 million AusAID commitment in Western Province and will include new TB facilities at hospitals and health clinics.

In total, AusAID is committed to spending $A104 million on PNG's beleaguered health system over 2012-13.

Senator Carr has been in PNG since Monday and has toured parts of the Western Highlands and Enga Province with Mr Pato.